MTX Lolita - subwoofer

Before shopping for speakers, try to imagine where you're going to put them in your room. Speakers can be placed on floor stands, hung on wall brackets, or placed on furniture. Subwoofers typically sound best in room corners or near the left- or right-front speakers.

The front three--left, center, and right--speakers usually sound best when positioned with their tweeters elevated to the same height as a seated listener's ears. In any case, try to keep the center speaker near the same height as the left and right speakers.

You can place speakers on shelves or on/in a low cabinet or entertainment center. Some speakers are better suited to this arrangement than others. "Acoustic suspension" sealed satellites are the most appropriate. Next best are ported speakers--as long as the ports are located on the front of the cabinet. However, speakers with rear-mounted ports won't perform at their peak when placed inside a piece of furniture.

As for the rear-channel surround speakers, they usually sound best when positioned three or more feet higher than the front speakers. However, high-fidelity DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD music will sound best when surround speakers are placed at the same height (ear level) as the front speakers.

For additional information on speakers, please see CNET's Surround sound buying guide

Replicating the sensation of Darth Vader's respirator or the rumble of a motorcycle, found only in movie theaters years ago, is easier today with the utility of a subwoofer. A quality subwoofer can augment your home theater system by reproducing the lowest acoustic frequencies.

When considering a subwoofer, consider these buying tips:

• Do your research; learn about the features, the enclosure material used to build the subwoofer and the manufacturer warranty.
• Reflect on how the subwoofer will be utilized - primarily for music (what is your preferred music genre), movies (type of movies you enjoy) or will it be used as a combination of both? Do you like bass?
• Survey your room size and configuration - do you have a designated space for the subwoofer.
• Think about your current setup - will your components be compatible.
• Consider your budget; compile a list of subwoofers that have the features you want, look for professional reviews and user opinions and remember to cross-reference big-box stores and online merchants for the best price.
• Ask for a demonstration - test the component with your favorite CD, DVD or Blu-ray to ascertain the sound quality. Smaller merchants may consider doing an in-home demonstration.
• Check the return policy of the merchant you are considering buying from in the event the subwoofer does not work with your existing system.

To assist you in making a determination, CNET has subwoofer reviews for your consideration.

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